Affectionately known as Straddie by people from Brisbane, North Stradbroke Island is the iconic beach holiday. Just 30 km (19 miles) southeast of Brisbane and the Gold Coast, it is positioned at the southern end of Moreton Bay. At 30 km (19 mile) long, it is one of the world’s biggest, featuring gorgeous beaches, a ragged coast and inland freshwater streams.
It lost its original name of Minijerribah in 1827, when Captain H. J. Rous, or Viscount Dunwich, Commander of the HMS Rainbow, named the isle after his father the Earl of Stradbroke, the main town after his own title, and Rainbow Beach after his vessel.
A clump of three picturesque villages — Dunwich, Amity Point and Point Lookout — act as convivial bases for many of the island’s local and international visitors.
Dunwich was once a prison colony and quarantine station, and, as is often the case, its graveyard is a telling record of the island’s historical past. At Point Lookout, the aptly named Whale Rock is the best spot from which to scan the vast oceans in search of migrating humpback whales, dolphins and turtles.
In the 1960s, sand mining operations began to impact on the fragile island environment, but by the 1990s environmental issues came dominant and half of the island became a national park. Mining is still very active on the island, but mainly away in the restricted southern end.
Point Lookout on the eastern surf side of the island is a natural draw-card. Spreading across Straddie’s single rocky headland it overlooks a chain of white beaches. The western side enjoys the calmer waters of the bay and is safer for families. The island is famous for its angling — with the annual Straddie Classic’ every August being one of Australia’s richest and best-known fishing contests.
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